New Prudential Real Estate Poll: Americans Increasingly Optimistic about Homeownership

Prudential Real Estate released a new national survey at Sales Convention showing that Americans are significantly more optimistic about homeownership than they were a year ago.

According to the second-annual Prudential Real Estate Outlook Survey, a full 60% of Americans have favorable views toward the real estate market.  That’s up 8 points since last year!

The survey shows that signs of increasing optimism are widespread:

·         With interest rates at historically low levels, 96% agree or somewhat agree that now is a good time to buy.

·         A full 70% of respondents have some degree of confidence that property values will improve over the next two years; with an 8 point increase in those very confident or confident compared to last year.

·         63% believe that real estate is a good investment despite the recent market volatility; that’s up 11 points from last year.

The survey confirms that despite the recession, homeownership remains a central part of the American Dream.  8 in 10 respondents said homeownership is very important to them; only 15% said the economic downturn made homeownership less important.

Up a Creek Without a Paddle

After two years of experience working as a CDPE Advanced and successfully achieving the designation as an Associate Broker, I transferred my Real Estate license to Prudential Southeast Coastal Properties, located here in Savannah. The downfall in the real estate market convinced me that business as usually was no longer an option. For the past two years I have been active with homeowners who needed help with their distressed properties.

As a CDPE Advanced (Certified Distressed Property Expert), CIAS (Certified Investor Agent Specialists), DPP (Distressed Property Professional), REO Specialists and Associate Broker, I am trained and qualified to help individuals and other agents who have issues with their distressed properties.

Over the past 24 plus months the average number of homes advertised per month in Chatham County ranges between 250—350. Of the properties advertised 100—150 are sold each month on the court house steps. 5-10 of these homes are purchased by individual or investor groups and the remaining return to the banks as REO properties. Unfortunately, 70+% of the homeowners who have properties sold at the monthly foreclose auction on the courthouse steps never talked to a real estate professional.

Due to a number of reasons, many agents elect not to be involved with distressed properties and the short process. Due to the complexity, ever changing rules and regulations, plus the time and energy that required, it is not surprising that many agents elect not to participate.

Quite frankly 90-95% of the real estate professionals are “Up the Creek without a Paddle” when it comes to short sales and distressed properties. I am now offering a “Paddle” to those professionals who find themselves “Up the Creek”!

Along with offering a Paddle, I am also offering several commission referral plans:

1. 25% of the listing commission will be paid for the name and contact information of individuals who desire assistance with the short sale process. This referral fee is charged to the individual who elects not to be involved in the listing procedure or the negotiating process with the banks.
2. 50-50% split of the listing commission will agents who select to be responsible for the listing process but not the negotiating with the banks process.
3. The listing agent will pay a 25% of the listing fee for assistance and directions through out the short sale process.

For more detailed information, contact Rob Sales @ Prudential Southeast Coastal Properties.

Office: 912-355-4171
Cell: 912-655-7674
Fax: 888-325-0711
Email: robsmartshortsales@gmail.com
Website: www.smartshortsales.net